Glass Wings Blog: January 2016

This Japanese Artist's Balloon Animals Will Blow Your Mind

Fri, 1 Jan 2016 13:43:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://diply.com/amusing-world/art-balloons-animals/228428

"At just 25, Masayoshi Matsumoto is already a master of what has to be a
niche form: balloon animals."

(More...)

With no manners at home, no wonder tourists go rogue

Fri, 1 Jan 2016 13:44:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/959321.shtml

'This particular group is notorious both at home and abroad. They are
called "Chinese tourists." In reality, they only account for a fraction
of the 100 million Chinese who go abroad each year. However, they are

(More...)

In Pieces

Fri, 1 Jan 2016 13:46:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.species-in-pieces.com/

"30 species. 30 pieces. 1 fragmented survival.  A CSS-based interactive
exhibition celebrating evolutionary distinction."

(More...)

CLOCKWRIGHT: Large-Scale Analogue Time Machines

Fri, 1 Jan 2016 13:46:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/clockwright/clockwright-large-scale-analogue-time-machines>

"Meticulously crafted wooden clock sculptures that shift the way you
feel time's passage. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan."

(More...)

Code Nebula Pavilion

Sat, 2 Jan 2016 12:57:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.code-nebula.com/

Cool digital art.

(More...)

Norwegians campaign to give Finland a mountain

Sat, 2 Jan 2016 12:58:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.thelocal.no/20151216/give-finland-a-new-highest-peak-norway-campaign>

"A Facebook campaign has been launched for Norway to give their flat
Finnish neighbour a mountain that would become its new highest peak as a
gift for the centenary of its independence."

(More...)

Seismology of elephants investigated

Sat, 2 Jan 2016 12:59:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35129175

"Could putting vibrations into the ground be a way to keep elephants
from coming into conflict with humans?"

(More...)

High Aspirations

Sat, 2 Jan 2016 13:00:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.newyorker.com/project/portfolio/high-aspirations

"Mamani’s architecture incorporates circular motifs from Aymara weaving
and ceramics and the neon colors of Aymara dress, and it alludes to the
staggered planes of Andean temples. But it has also been inspired by

(More...)

Media release: Baby fish will be lost at sea in acidified oceans

Sun, 3 Jan 2016 12:20:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://blogs.adelaide.edu.au/environment/2015/12/16/media-release-baby-fish-will-be-lost-at-sea-in-acidified-oceans/>

"The ability of baby fish to find a home, or other safe haven, to grow
into adulthood will be severely impacted under predicted ocean
acidification, University of Adelaide research has found."

(More...)

Understandably Cause for Alarm

Sun, 3 Jan 2016 12:21:49 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@starsandrobots/understandably-cause-for-alarm-1f0929be0615>

"These days, it’s not so unusual for someone to sometimes wear LEDs, at
festivals or on Lupita or Kanye. Back in 2007, I felt like the sole
owner of a garment unlike any other in the world."

(More...)

Unevenly distributed futures: an interview with @internetofshit

Sun, 3 Jan 2016 12:22:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/12/17/unevenly-distributed-futures-2.html

"The @internetofshit account posts sardonic observations about the
Internet of Things, which is filled with the most depressing array of
useless, dangerously insecure, exploitative junk imaginable."

(More...)

猫と犬にフォースの覚醒ならず ~ The Force Doesn't Awaken among cats ~【マンチカンズ】

Sun, 3 Jan 2016 12:26:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vop3w2RWWtU

"スターウォーズ フォースの覚醒の公開を記念して、ヨーダ師匠にトレーニング
をしてもらいました。"

(More...)

Video Game Industry Embraces Internet And New Business Models: Others Should Pay Attention

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 12:14:33 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151117/09353932838/video-game-industry-embraces-internet-new-business-models-others-should-pay-attention.shtml>

"Chris Dixon has an absolute must-read post on Medium on the lessons other
industries can learn from the PC gaming industry's success in recent times."

(More...)

This is not my cat...

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 12:15:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://plus.google.com/+AnnekeDubash/posts/iyKPcDqvgRW

Great collection!  Via Muse.

(More...)

HTML-909 Rhythm Composer

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 12:16:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://html909.com/

Very cool.  Via Peter Schmidt.

(More...)

More Than Exxon: Big Oil Companies for Years Shared Damning Climate Research

Tue, 5 Jan 2016 14:36:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/12/22/more-exxon-big-oil-companies-years-shared-damning-climate-research>

"New investigative reporting exposes a task force headed by the American
Petroleum Institute also knew about global warming since the 1970's"

(More...)

FELLOWSHIPS for THREATENED SCHOLARS AROUND THE WORLD

Tue, 5 Jan 2016 14:37:00 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://scholarrescuefund.com/

"Since 2002, IIE-SRF has assisted 631 scholars from 55 countries, placing them
at over 325 host partner institutions in 41 countries around the world."

(More...)

Last Christmas - Vintage Andrews Sisters - Style Wham! Cover - Postmodern Jukebox

Tue, 5 Jan 2016 14:38:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3Hrn2_LxDs

I know Christmas is long over, so save this one for the end of this year! 
Postmodern Jukebox never fails to delight.

(More...)

Boy Babydolls and Princess Builders: Rethinking the Pink Aisle

Wed, 6 Jan 2016 12:31:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/jewelbots-weblog/boy-babydolls-and-princess-builders-rethinking-the-pink-aisle-1c12bf2b50b6>

"The debate over the gender identity in children’s toys is not a new
one, but it seems to have reached reached a fever pitch in 2015. As our
culture slowly begins to accept a more open notion of gender fluidity,

(More...)

Solar energy from discarded car batteries

Wed, 6 Jan 2016 12:32:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-solar-energy-discarded-car-batteries.html

"MIT researchers have developed a simple procedure for making a
promising type of solar cell using lead recovered from discarded
lead-acid car batteries—a practice that could benefit both the

(More...)

Japanese bookshop stocks only one book at a time

Wed, 6 Jan 2016 12:34:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/dec/23/japanese-bookshop-stocks-only-one-book-at-a-time>

"Owner of Morioka Shoten in Tokyo says the strategy adds up to a
dedicated exhibition for each volume it sells"

(More...)

Norway Offers Migrants a Lesson in How to Treat Women

Thu, 7 Jan 2016 12:23:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/20/world/europe/norway-offers-migrants-a-lesson-in-how-to-treat-women.html>

"Many refugees “come from cultures that are not gender equal and where women
are the property of men,” Mr. Isdal said. “We have to help them adapt to their
new culture.”"

(More...)

Crows caught on camera fashioning special hook tools

Thu, 7 Jan 2016 12:24:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151223141159.htm

"Scientists have been given an extraordinary glimpse into how wild New
Caledonian crows make and use 'hooked stick tools' to hunt for insect prey.
Biologists have captured first recordings documenting how these tropical

(More...)

The Coolest Vinyl Releases of All Time

Thu, 7 Jan 2016 12:25:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://diffuser.fm/coolest-vinyl-releases-of-all-time/

"//From some of the most outstanding artwork we’ve ever seen and enormous
jackets to liquid-filled 7-inches and playable broken vinyl, we’ve come up with
some of the weirdest, funnest, craziest and coolest vinyl releases we could

(More...)

ABC Open Pic of the Year

Fri, 8 Jan 2016 12:15:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-24/abc-open-pic-of-the-year/7047426

"Pic of the Year...here is a selection of photos chosen from those that
have appeared in the ABC Open Pic of the Week galleries on ABC News Online."

(More...)

From “A New Hope” to no hope at all: “Star Wars,” Tolkien and the sinister and depressing reality of expanded universes

Fri, 8 Jan 2016 12:19:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.salon.com/2015/12/24/from_a_new_hope_to_no_hope_at_all_star_wars_tolkien_and_the_sinister_and_depressing_reality_of_expanded_universes/>

"When fantasy sagas never end, we see the cycles of brutality and
totalitarianism that fuel them don't, either"

(More...)

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2015

Fri, 8 Jan 2016 12:23:26 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://comedywildlifephoto.com/?page_id=36

"We are looking for funny, creative, dynamic and interesting wildlife
photographs, as well as of course, being technically proficient! And
don’t forget the caption makes it funnier!"

(More...)

Chickasha Alhiha' Music Video

Sat, 9 Jan 2016 16:30:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK0hZryFpVQ

"Featuring Chickasaw Musicians and Artisans.  Song by Injunuity.
Produced by Chickasaw Multimedia."

(More...)

1918: Court Refuses to Fine Woman in Man’s Attire

Sat, 9 Jan 2016 16:32:03 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://cakeandrevolution.tumblr.com/post/135262220976/1918-court-refuses-to-fine-woman-in-mans-attire>

"The cutest verdict ever passed."

An early progressive judge.  Good for him.

(More...)

Faced With Fear, A Muslim Woman Makes A Stand — By Setting One Up

Sat, 9 Jan 2016 16:32:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.npr.org/2015/12/27/461124403/faced-with-fear-a-muslim-woman-makes-a-stand-by-setting-one-up>

"Mona Haydar is a Muslim — and she wants to talk about it."

A positive story.  Via Kee Hinckley.

(More...)

New Video! “The Tap Awakens” – ‘Star Wars’ Medley feat. Sarah Reich

Sat, 9 Jan 2016 16:34:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://postmodernjukebox.com/post/new-video-the-tap-awakens-star-wars-medley-feat-sarah-reich/>

"It should come as no surprise to learn that Sarah Reich is one of the
best tap dancers in the world."

(More...)

What to do when you're not the hero any more

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 13:19:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/film/2015/12/what-do-when-youre-not-hero-any-more>

"From Star Wars to Mad Max, a new, more diverse kind of storytelling
went mainstream this year - and the backlash shows how much it matters."

(More...)

Diabolical

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 13:20:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2015/december/1448888400/robert-manne/diabolical>

"Why have we failed to address climate change?"

Excellent overview article on humanity's greatest challenge.

(More...)

Bedford and the Normalization of Deviance

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 13:21:48 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.rapp.org/archives/2015/12/normalization-of-deviance/

"Like many pilots, I read accident reports all the time. This may seem
morbid to people outside “the biz”, but those of us on the inside know
that learning what went wrong is an important step in avoiding the fate

(More...)

Who's the Nicest Person You've Ever Met?

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 13:22:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.neatorama.com/2015/12/28/Whos-the-Nicest-Person-Youve-Ever-Met/>

"The discussion thread filled with heart-warming stories of ordinary
people—often complete strangers—acting with great kindness and
generosity."

(More...)

The Periodic Table of Storytelling

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 12:49:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.designthroughstorytelling.net/periodic/

Nice chart.  Warning:  You may spend a lot of time reading tvtropes!

Via Muse.

(More...)

Melbourne man wins National Geographic's 2015 Photo Contest with shot of Colorado tornado

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 12:52:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-30/melbourne-man-wins-2015-national-geographic-photo-contest/7060526>

"Melbourne photographer James Smart has won National Geographic's 2015 Photo
Contest with a shot of a tornado in Colorado, United States."

(More...)

Underwater haptic feedback glove gives users "dolphin power"

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 12:53:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.gizmag.com/irukatact-underwater-haptic-feedback-glove/41088/>

"Rescue workers searching flood sites have a unique challenge – they need to
know what's under the water, but invariably that water is going to be very
murky. Well, that's the main scenario for which the IrukaTact was created. It's

(More...)

‘I don’t believe this anymore’: What it’s like to escape an abusive, right-wing religion

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:40:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.rawstory.com/2015/05/i-dont-believe-this-anymore-what-its-like-to-escape-an-abusive-right-wing-religion/>

"Americans are leaving their religions at a faster rate than ever before, and
that means more are looking for help with the transition. People who are
casually religious may walk away and not look back. But for others religion is

(More...)

The Trigger Warning Myth

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:42:40 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://newrepublic.com/article/122543/trigger-warning-myth

"Coddled students aren’t the cause of a mental health crisis on campus, they’re
just pawns in the culture wars."

(More...)

Penguins show us the Pipeline of Dreamworks Animation Studios

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:42:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CbG0d_tnSg

A 15 minute documentary about the process Dreamworks uses to create animated
movies.

(More...)

The Man Who Talks to Sperm Whales

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 12:23:41 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://avauntmagazine.com/the-man-who-talks-to-sperm-whales>

"For the past seven years Schnöller and a ragtag international crew of world
champion freedivers, coders, computer engineers and physicists named DareWin
have been researching sperm whale vocalisations – the thunderous cracks shaking

(More...)

To help stop global warming, curb short-lived pollutants

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 12:25:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-1225-ramanathan-press-slcps-climate-change-20151225-story.html>

"If we're serious about preventing or at least slowing climate change, we have
to broaden our hit list; even as we move toward carbon neutrality, we must also
restrict methane, carbon soot, ozone and hydrofluorocarbon coolants."

(More...)

The Missing 11th of the Month

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 12:26:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://drhagen.com/blog/the-missing-11th-of-the-month/

"When I began this study, I was hoping to find a hidden taboo of holding events
on the 11th or typographical bias against the shorthand ordinal."

(More...)

To Slow Climate Change We Need to Save Large Fruit-Eating Mammals

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:22:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.care2.com/causes/to-slow-climate-change-we-need-to-save-large-fruit-eating-mammals.html>

"In terms of climate change we know there’s a lot we can do, for example
cutting down on fossil fuels and other man made contributions that are driving
this planet-wide threat. One other component, and one that hasn’t got as much

(More...)

WHAT IF, SET FIRE TO 10 000 SPARKLERS!

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:23:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W55b4BcCPM4

"10000 Bengal candles. Do not repeat!"

Sparkleriffic!  Via Muse, who wrote: "WOW! I especially like the chief

(More...)

Refugees breathe new life into rural town

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:24:53 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/refugees/refugees-breathe-new-life-into-rural-town/refugees-breathe-new-life-into-rural-town>

"Like many rural towns, the west Victorian town of Nhill had an ageing and
shrinking population, which was having an adverse impact on the town's economy.
But Nhill's newest residents have managed to breathe new life into the

(More...)

UK to deport Californian who lived 48 years in country

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:40:57 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2015/12/29/uk-to-deport-californian-with.html

"71 year old Thomas Podgoretsky has resided in the UK for 48 years on a
permanent leave to remain visa. He has four British children and six
British grandchildren, as well as three British ex-wives. The Home

(More...)

HUMAN excerpt

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:41:50 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153822021486844

"A small insight into a great film."

Via Muse.

(More...)

Glass Half: The latest open movie from the Blender Institute

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:42:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://opensource.com/life/15/12/glass-half-open-movie

"At this year's Blender Conference, the Blender Institute released its
latest open movie project, Glass Half. You can watch the full three
minutes of this short animation in all its glory right here."

(More...)

We Need To Stop Devaluing Femininity

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:41:20 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.ravishly.com/2015/03/20/why-we-need-stop-devaluing-femininity>

"The message that we consistently send out is that in order to achieve
any kind of significant career goals, girls need to adopt traits that
are typically associated with masculinity."

(More...)

Computer, Open That Door!

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:43:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://plaw.itch.io/computer-open-that-door

"During a space exploration mission the ship computer of the Starship
Explorer gained consciousness. The crew can't know — otherwise they
would erase the entire computer system immediately. In order to avoid a

(More...)

Hop licking the cats ear

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:44:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIU8Q1t9hOI

"Hop the kangaroo that thinks he s a dog is giving our cat a good ear
licking."

(More...)

Half a million kids survived Romania's 'slaughterhouses of souls.’ Now they want justice.

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 12:22:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-12-28/half-million-kids-survived-romanias-slaughterhouses-souls-now-they-want-justice>

"Immediately after the fall of communism, the images of starving, naked
and sick children found in overcrowded Romanian orphanages shocked the
world. GlobalPost revisited some of these stories, speaking with

(More...)

Democracy in the digital era

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 12:23:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://newint.org/features/2015/01/01/democracy-digital-era-keynote/

"Our current democratic models are crumbling and outdated. We need to
make something more real and meaningful. Activist and politician
Birgitta Jónsdóttir points to how it might be done."

(More...)

Sunday Sweets for J.R.R. Tolkien's Birthday

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 12:25:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2016/1/3/sunday-sweets-for-jrr-tolkiens-birthday.html>

"Starting with the most adorable Hobbit hole this side of the Shire"

Oooh!  Ahhh...  Mmmmmmm.

(More...)

A Little Gray Bengal Cat Gleefully Rolls Around in a Blue Plastic Pool Filled With Multi-Colored Balls

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 12:29:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/a-little-gray-bengal-cat-gleefully-rolls-around-in-a-blue-plastic-pool-filled-with-multi-colored-balls/>

"Boomer, a gorgeous gray Bengal and little brother to the amazing Didga,
had a wonderful time gleefully rolling around in a big pile of
multi-colored balls, first in a cardboard box and then in his favorite

(More...)

Here We Go Again: All The Works That Should Now Be In The Public Domain, But Aren't

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:55:39 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151231/16293933214/here-we-go-again-all-works-that-should-now-be-public-domain-arent.shtml>

"It is difficult to see how anyone can support such blatant destruction of
culture."

(More...)

A shrinking Public Domain hurts open education

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:57:27 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.saylor.org/2016/01/blog-a-shrinking-public-domain-hurts-open-education/>

"Public Domain Day isn’t exactly a real holiday, but it is a real day, January
1st of every year, marking which cultural works enter the public domain and
which could have but won’t."

(More...)

Why too much evidence can be a bad thing

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:58:54 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://phys.org/news/2016-01-evidence-bad.html

"Under ancient Jewish law, if a suspect on trial was unanimously found guilty
by all judges, then the suspect was acquitted. This reasoning sounds
counterintuitive, but the legislators of the time had noticed that unanimous

(More...)

Paul Graham is Still Asking to be Eaten

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:12:21 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://medium.com/@girlziplocked/paul-graham-is-still-asking-to-be-eaten-5f021c0c0650>

"I’ve been asked by a bunch of people today to comment on this essay “Economic
Inequality,”penned by self-described “essayist” Paul Graham, the subject of a
poem I recently wrote entitled, “Paul Graham is Asking to be Eaten.”"

(More...)

Sarantaporo Residents Create Commons in Rural Greece Through a DIY Wireless Mesh Network

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:14:13 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.shareable.net/blog/sarantaporo-residents-create-commons-in-rural-greece-through-a-diy-wireless-mesh-network>

"The film, Building Communities of Commons in Greece, aims to document the
story of Sarantaporo and the concept of commoning through the autonomous
wireless mesh network that the local community has installed in their

(More...)

Maxwell Smart and Dr. Smith

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:16:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-jtYPHftfY

"Before Get Smart, before Lost in Space, Don Adams and Jonathan Harris were on
a sitcom together called The Bill Dana Show. It's like watching Maxwell Smart
meet Dr. Smith."

(More...)

Optus demonstrates public relations skills

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:23:25 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://eatmoremacandcheese.tumblr.com/post/133445152315/hi-optus-can-i-have-dans-number-i-want-to-take>

Now that's fantastic customer relations.  Great work.  Give that man a raise!

Via Stuart Lamble and Irreverent Monk.

(More...)

Infinity: a computer anyone can build and explore

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:24:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/infinity-a-computer-anyone-can-build-and-explore#/>

"A computer that anyone in the world can put together in seconds."

I strongly support modular, easily repairable and upgradeable technology.

(More...)

La importancia de la accesibilidad

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:26:52 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tmuWAGVNU8

Via Muse, who wrote: "Brilliant! And next we need a AAA game based on the
Paralympics!"

(More...)

The man who studies the spread of ignorance

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:45:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160105-the-man-who-studies-the-spread-of-ignorance>

"How do people or companies with vested interests spread ignorance and
obfuscate knowledge? Georgina Kenyon finds there is a term which defines this
phenomenon."

(More...)

Lesson of a Lifetime

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:48:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/lesson-of-a-lifetime-72754306/>

"Her bold experiment to teach Iowa third graders about racial prejudice divided
townspeople and thrust her onto the national stage. Decades later, Jane
Elliott's students say the ordeal changed them for good"

(More...)

Sagebrush Rebellion Politics

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:49:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2016/01/sagebrush-rebellion-politics>

"I have resisted commenting on the Bundy occupation of the Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge so I could gather my thoughts on what is an important topic to
me."

(More...)

How MSG Got A Bad Rap: Flawed Science And Xenophobia

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 17:21:23 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-msg-got-a-bad-rap-flawed-science-and-xenophobia/>

"Like many people, I thought MSG — monosodium glutamate, a chemical
compound used to enhance the flavor of food — was bad for me, and I was
sure I felt terrible every time I ate it."

(More...)

Lessons learned from open source communities

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 17:23:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://medium.com/@audrey.tang/lessons-i-ve-learned-32f5d8107e34

"These are the lessons that I have learned from open source communities.
Thank you."

(More...)

Beach wheelchair at Wilson's Promontory gives better experience for people with disabilities

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 17:24:22 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-08/wheelchair-giving-people-a-better-beach-experience/7075926>

"As a child, Judeland Anthony, never imagined he would again be able to
play on a beach."

(More...)

I taught my black kids that their elite upbringing would protect them from discrimination. I was wrong.

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:55:29 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/11/06/i-taught-my-black-kids-that-their-elite-upbringing-would-protect-them-from-discrimination-i-was-wrong/>

Class privilege is not sufficient to protect you from racial
discrimination.  Discrimination is intersectional.

(More...)

Drone display sets world record for most UAVs airborne simultaneously

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:56:32 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOBQXuu_5Zw

"A spectacular display of drone technology by Intel Corporation (USA)
involving 100 small aircrafts being launched skywards in formation has
earned a new world record title for the Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

(More...)

Scientist Resurrects Ancient Creatures by 3D-Printing Them in Metal

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:57:34 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://nerdist.com/scientist-resurrects-ancient-creatures-by-3d-printing-them-in-metal/>

"A biochemistry and human genetics researcher, Drummond studies
everything from how cells adapt, to the multi-million-year evolution of
the species we share our planet with. It’s no surprise then, that he

(More...)

Japan Keeps This Train Station Running for Just One Regular Passenger

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:58:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.citylab.com/commute/2016/01/japan-keeps-this-defunct-train-station-running-for-just-one-passenger/423273/>

"Trains here make only a few stops—when a lone high-school student
leaves for school, and when class is over."

(More...)

Researchers' metallic glue may stick it to soldering and welding

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 12:41:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/nu-rmg010816.php

"Northeastern's Hanchen Huang and colleagues, experts in nanotechnology,
have developed a glue that binds metal to metal to glass to you-name-it,
sets at room temperature, and requires little pressure to seal"

(More...)

The Baroque Music Library

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 12:42:17 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.baroquemusiclibrary.com/

"We've been recording and enjoying baroque music for fifty years, and we
want more people to have this wonderful experience. So we're offering
our complete catalogue as FREE downloads."

(More...)

How Qantas Ferried an Engine on the Wing of a 747

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 12:46:47 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.flightradar24.com/blog/how-qantas-ferried-an-engine-on-the-wing-of-a-747/>

"When Qantas 747 VH-OJU had engine trouble in Johannesburg, VH-OJS came
to the rescue ferrying a spare Rolls Royce engine from Sydney to
Johannesburg for the stricken plane. We wanted to find out more, so we

(More...)

What was fake on the Internet this week: Why this is the final column

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 12:48:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2015/12/18/what-was-fake-on-the-internet-this-week-why-this-is-the-final-column/>

"There is nothing — NOTHING — too crazy for the Internet hoax beat.
Pregnancy by flu shot? Six days of total darkness? In the past 82 weeks,
I’m prettyyyy sure I’ve seen just about everything."

(More...)

NY Public Library Embraces The Public Domain Big Time: Releases 180,000 High Resolution Images

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:49:28 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160107/01251833261/ny-public-library-embraces-public-domain-big-time-releases-180000-high-resolution-images.shtml>

"There's some wonderful news from the NY Public Library, which has released
over 180,000 high resolution digital images of public domain works that it
found in its collection."

(More...)

Remembering the late David Bowie

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:53:43 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
A Piano Tribute to the Late David Bowie, By Scott Bradlee
<http://postmodernjukebox.com/post/piano-tribute-late-david-bowie-scott-bradlee/>

Beautiful.  Via Gnotic Pasta and Kee Hinckley.

(More...)

NOTHING TO HIDE - The Documentary

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:54:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1587081065/nothing-to-hide-the-documentary>

"Support a collaborative film concerning mass surveillance and its widespread
“I have nothing to hide” logic!"

(More...)

Income inequality makes the 1% sad, too

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:33:10 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://boingboing.net/2016/01/13/income-inequality-makes-the-1.html

'A study from the notorious socialists at the Harvard Business Review
analyzed data from the Gallup World Poll and the World Top Incomes
Database and found that in countries with a large degree of wealth

(More...)

Fork the Economy

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:33:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.shareable.net/blog/fork-the-economy

"I've given up on fixing the economy. The economy is not broken. It's
simply unjust. There's a difference."

(More...)

Indigenous Australian Solar Energy Company Takes On Tesla

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:35:12 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/01/indigenous-australian-solar-energy-company-takes-on-tesla/>

"This Queensland company’s core mission is based on the fundamental
Aboriginal approach of stewardship of the earth and its resources, and
this means a move away from a reliance on fossil fuels for energy. Oh,

(More...)

Governments undermining encryption will do more harm than good

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 12:17:01 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://delimiter.com.au/2016/01/15/governments-undermining-encryption-will-do-more-harm-than-good/>

"The problem with installing backdoors is that bad actors – organised crime,
fraudsters, hostile foreign governments and the like – may also focus their
attention on these security holes. Any universal “passkey” built into such a

(More...)

The Oregon militia revolt recipe: timber, despair and a crippling political isolation

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 12:19:58 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/14/oregon-militia-occupation-revolt-motivation-politics-public-land-ranching-environment>

"What are the kindnesses we can offer communities like Burns?"

An important question.  Via Susan Stone.

(More...)

‘Would he disapprove of my single heathen lifestyle?’: me and my Syrian refugee lodger

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 12:20:55 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/09/my-syrian-refugee-lodger-helen-pidd>

"He has no home and only the clothes he stands up in. She has a spare room.
This is what happened when Yasser and Helen moved in together, as seen through
both their eyes…"

(More...)

EFA's 2016 Wish List

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:41:51 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.efa.org.au/2015/12/23/2016-wish-list/

"While this has been a difficult year for the digital rights agenda in
Australia, 2016 looks much more promising."

(More...)

An Aging Movie Monster Looks Back On His Career in This Poignant Short

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:43:07 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://io9.gizmodo.com/an-aging-movie-monster-looks-back-on-his-career-in-this-1753022131>

"Filmmaker Harry Chaskin’s Bygone Behemoth imagines the loneliness of a
Godzilla-like movie monster whose career has long since ended, and whose fame
has faded from show-biz memory."

(More...)

Jimmy Fallon & The Cast of Sesame Street Photobomb a Bunch of Children During a Photoshoot With Adorable Results

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:44:15 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://laughingsquid.com/jimmy-fallon-the-cast-of-sesame-street-photobomb-a-bunch-of-children-during-a-photoshoot-with-adorable-results/>

"The children are delighted when they turn around to see Elmo, The Count,
Ernie, and more Sesame Street characters."

(More...)

Ultra-Rich 'Philanthrocapitalist' Class Undermining Global Democracy: Report

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:30:08 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/01/15/ultra-rich-philanthrocapitalist-class-undermining-global-democracy-report>

'As foundations and wealthy individuals funnel money into global
development, what "solutions" are they pursuing?'

(More...)

No, The Internet Hasn't Destroyed Quality Music Either

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:32:09 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160110/23460433294/no-internet-hasnt-destroyed-quality-music-either.shtml>

"At what point will the music industry stop crying wolf? Remember that
part of the reason behind the 1909 Copyright Act in the US was the
arrival of the player piano, which some feared would put musicians out

(More...)

Classical Music Mashup

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:33:19 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OYkWSW7u4k

"I've woven together 57 famous classical tunes by 33 composers. How many
can you identify?"

(More...)

Techdirt Reading List: The Public Domain: Enclosing The Commons Of The Mind

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:06:37 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160114/11065533344/techdirt-reading-list-public-domain-enclosing-commons-mind.shtml>

"The book is a wonderful exploration about the public domain, why it's
important and how problematic it is that it's been systematically cut off and
starved.  And, yes, before you ask, if you want a free copy of the book that's

(More...)

Designing a Compassionate Interview for a High Performing Individual

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:07:35 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://deliberate-software.com/compassionate-interviewing/

"I strive to make my interviews as stress-free and respectful as possible while
still rendering a yes/no at the end."

(More...)

Canadian City Completely Eradicates Homelessness With Brand New Approach

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:08:31 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://aplus.com/a/canada-solves-homelessness-problems

"In the Canadian town of Medicine Hat, Alberta, where 60,000 people live,
everyone has a home tonight."

(More...)

Electronics That Last: How I Built an Heirloom Laptop

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:09:30 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://makezine.com/2016/01/15/electronics-that-last-how-i-built-an-heirloom-laptop/

"The thrust of the design concept is informed by, and hopefully serves as
homage to, the vintage HiFi designs epitomized by Dieter Rams."

(More...)

On ecryption and privacy

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 12:10:59 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
Governments undermining encryption will do more harm than good
https://www.efa.org.au/2016/01/13/undermining-encryption/

Why privacy is important, and having "nothing to hide" is irrelevant
https://www.efa.org.au/2016/01/15/why-privacy-is-important/

(More...)

Why women over 50 can’t find jobs

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 12:12:05 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/women-over-50-face-cant-find-jobs/>

"Economics correspondent Paul Solman sat down with Teresa Ghilarducci, a
labor economist and the author of the new book, “How to Retire with
Enough Money,” to talk about how age discrimination and assumptions

(More...)

ME & MY OTHER ME

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 12:13:42 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
https://www.behance.net/gallery/29245125/ME-MY-OTHER-ME

"Este proyecto es una serie de ilustraciones de celebridades, donde cada
uno de ellos, ocupa en el mismo lugar su 'Yo' pasado, con su 'Yo'
actual, cada personaje contiene algún detalle de lo que ha sido su

(More...)

A Huge Collection of Embroidered Temari Spheres by an 88-Year-Old Grandmother

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 12:15:04 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/12/temari/

"Flickr user NanaAkua photographed this amazing collection of geometric
spheres created by her 88-year-old grandmother who began to master the
art in her 60s."

(More...)

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